BBC Learning English
Words in the News
Is Rome's Colosseum falling apart?

30

th

December 2011

Words in the News

© British Broadcasting Corporation 2011

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bbclearningenglish.com

The Italian government is investigating reports that pieces of rock have fallen off the
Colosseum in Rome. Witnesses reported seeing the fallen masonry on Christmas Day. It
has raised concerns about the maintenance of the monument. Kathy Harcombe reports:

The emblem of the Roman Empire where gladiators once fought wild beasts and each
other to entertain spectators. Built almost 2000 years ago, the Colosseum is considered
one of the greatest works of Roman architecture and engineering.

Now though there are fears that this mighty monument may be crumbling. Italian
environmentalists have frequently raised the alarm about the precarious state of the
Colosseum.

They claim that exhaust fumes and the vibrations from vehicles and a nearby subway
are damaging the monument. But the Colosseum authorities say there is no cause for
panic.

But there is sufficient fear over the state of the building to warrant a US$ 33 million
restoration project due to begin in March.

Kathy Harcombe, BBC News, Rome

Words in the News

© British Broadcasting Corporation 2011

Page 2 of 2

bbclearningenglish.com

Vocabulary and definitions

the emblem

a picture or logo that represents a country

wild beasts

untamed animals, usually big and four-legged

spectators

people who watch an event

mighty monument

imposing building with a strong historical significance

crumbling

falling into pieces

environmentalists

people who are very interested in the environment and
try to protect it from being damaged

precarious state

not stable or secure

exhaust fumes

gases expelled by an active vehicle engine

vibrations

periodic motions or shakes

restoration project

building works to make a building resemble its original
condition

More on the Colosseum:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient/romans/launch_ani_colosseum.shtml

Read and listen to the story and the vocabulary online:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2011/12/111230_witn_colosseum.shtml